A slight thing like a phrase or a jest often makes a greater revelation of character

From Alexander by Plutarch, translated by Bernadotte Perrin

It is the life of Alexander the king, and of Caesar, who overthrew Pompey, that I am writing in this book, and the multitude of the deeds to be treated is so great that I shall make no other preface than to entreat my readers, in case I do not tell of all the famous actions of these men, nor even speak exhaustively at all in each particular case, but in epitome for the most part, not to complain.  For it is not Histories that I am writing, but Lives; and in the most illustrious deeds there is not always a manifestation of virtue or vice, nay, a slight thing like a phrase or a jest often makes a greater revelation of character than battles when thousands fall, or the greatest armaments, or sieges of cities.  Accordingly, just as painters get the likenesses in their portraits from the face and the expression of the eyes, wherein the character shows itself, but make very little account of the other parts of the body, so I must be permitted to devote myself rather to the signs of the soul in men, and by means of these to portray the life of each, leaving to others the description of their great contests.

 

I like that observation - "a slight thing like a phrase or a jest often makes a greater revelation of character".  We are strongly disposed towards divining intent and nature from the smallest of details, word selection, tone, gesture, body language, eyes, etc.  

We are a social animal, always evolving.  Herd instinct facilitates survival so it is no wonder that we are all descendants of those who best divined the intent of the herd and its constituent components.